Kaidence's Haircut

Kaidence has become so "vocal" about having her hair combed, that I decided it was time for shorted hair... which she loves having short hair like mommy now. It is so cute and so easy to take care of.

Grandma and Kaidence did stretches a few times to get the cramps and wiggles out...

BBQ at Mandy's

After the Seattle Center, we went to Mandy's for BBQ and hangin' out. We swam in the pool and just talked. Douglas was supposed to go to a friends, but got delayed... selfishly, I am glad he had to wait... it was fun with him there.


Mandy made this face just for Douglas' picture taking...

Parker was falling asleep on Mandy... which she loved...

and they enjoyed having the baby around... as long as the baby went home with me. :)

Seattle Center

We went to the Seattle Center as guests with Mandy, Dio and Zeke on Thursday, we had such a blast! Uncle Douglas was so good with the kids, you'd think he'd had practice... and the kids just LOVE Mandy. It was a great day, I am so glad we were able to go.


Awww....

Anytime there is a chance to get wet... there we are.

The butterfly room was so cool, the butterflys land right on you!

Look! We have an official equation... not that I understand it...

More Pics!

Many kudos to mom for thinking of having a photographer at the party! Douglas was visiting before his year-long deployment that starts this month. This was the first party he's been able to be to for the kids and it was spectacular!

No resemblance there...

Zach is all that and A chip...

Pictures

Presents!

When we did presents, it was probably the closest we got to all being together, but some had left by then...


We set up presents on the tramp so we could do it outside...
it was so HOT that day!

The Games

We had water balloons, sqirt guns and a pinata for entertainment... the pinata was a pull string, which means that out of the 15 strings hanging from it, one open the trap door to let down the candy. We were sure less than half way through, somebody would pull that string... but the fates were with us and the VERY LAST STRING let down the goodies.


Mandy plays the best "big sister" and gets wet with the boys.

The Cake

We had a fabulous birthday cake provided and designed by Grandma West... with Spiderman web-slinging a Happy Birthday message for Zach.

Family Branches at the Party

Thank you to EVERYONE who was able to come to Zach's birthday party and to those who were there in spirit... the day was a blast! I don't think that many branches of the family have been together at once before... it was awesome!

Grandma and Great-Grandma Drake

Aunt Lisa, Grandma Rath, and Mandy

Grandpa Rath and Douglas, USMC

Uncle Jeremy and Aunt Amanda

Grandma and Grandpa West-Fuhrmann

You know, looking back, I wish that we had taken a picture of us all together, that would have been rather ideal...